L1, L2 Visa

Hi all,

My L1-B (individual) visa was approved at Chennai consulate yesterday. There is a wealth of information regarding the whole interview process and everyone visiting the website here may be looking for some information that may help in avoiding some costly errors. I have learnt a lot from this forum and it has helped me a great deal, right from the preparation of the petition to USCIS till the interview at the US consulate. My petition was approved without any RFEs but i spent a lot of time preparing it. Trust me, it does deserve some time and thinking. The interview questions were quite standard but i would like to share few additional points which i think will help.

1. Prepare the elevator pitch for your question on specialized knowledge. L1B individual may be less scrutinized at US consulate as it is already approved by USCIS, so there is little risk of being rejected at US consulate. However, L1-B blanket visa may be more scrutinized than L1-B individuals. i did hear this common question on specialization for L1-Bs (mostly blanket). So when you are just couple of minutes away from the officer you may hear a lot of questions, answers, rejections, approvals going on around you. It may seem bit crowded and there is a sense of urgency that the officers will have because of the crowd that may easily put you under the stress. Because i did get my business visa few months back, i was kind of prepared for this atmosphere. For visa categories which are more scrutinized like the L1-B blanket, i believe the most important question is about your specialization and when preparing for the interview, keep in mind the officer is eager to close the interview and move quickly to others. So it is important to prepare short and precise answers, call it an elevator pitch. Be prepared to relax yourself and give your answers in calm and composed manner yet short and precise. i know this may be difficult in the middle of the crowd and when everyone wants things to be done quickly but i believe the 2 mins in front of the officer will be important. For L1-B individuals, my advice would be stay calm and relaxed, your visa is most likely already approved, it is just more like a formality unless you have something seriously wrong as part of your documents. Those who are on L1-B blanket don't under estimate the interview and go without any preparation. Spend at least half a day in preparing the answers and most people may advise you to answer in front of the mirror but follow-up answering the same questions in your mind; in middle of a crowded place (choose any). You will have some space and maintain a fair distance from the crowd when you are actually being interviewed but i think it is about getting used to the crowd and still being able to think clearly (what a task!).

2. If your interview is in Chennai, i would advise you to start at least 2 hours early if you wish to complete your interview at scheduled time. However, for OFC appointment at Chennai VAC, there is no point going early. Don't carry bag just try to go only with documents and the wallet / cash. Mobile must be switched off at OFC and I believe they don’t allow mobile phones for the interview. I carried only documents and some cash

3. Keep your documents in order and well organized so you can present it as requested. Small things… but it does create an impression..

Each visa has unique requirements and i have spent months in understanding and getting my L1B done. I am happy to help at least a couple of aspirants. i may be able help and provide some useful info but only regarding L1B visa.

Let me know ?

Good luck to all of you.

Hello all, I had my L1B visa interview in chennai on 10th Dec'15 as well as got approved confirmation form VO.
but my Visa status is still showing passport with " US embassy". please let me know if any of you got the passport with visa interviewed on or after 10th Dec'15.

Can any one tell me if we can apply for L1A individual immediately after L1A Blanket rejection?

Hello All,

Following questions were asked during my PA at Mumbai Consulate.

Question: You are working for which company?

Question: What is your role for the assignment?

Question: What is your annual salary in US?

Question: What is your team size? How many report to you?

Question: Are you going for a specialized role or management?

Question: How long have you worked with current employer?

Question: Are you married? Do you have child / children?

Question: Are they planning to join me in US ? [This was probably asked because I'm flying alone and my family joins me later in two months time]

VO : Your visa has been approved. You should be getting your passport in 3-5 days.

My advice: Stay calm and be yourself. There isn't anything to mug up really. Questions are about you and your work. So if you can convey your thoughts clearly, then it should be easy.

Don't reach consulate more than 1 hour in advance as you end up standing in the hot sun (mine was afternoon batch 2 30 pm), no locker nearby and you cant park car nearby. So, if you can get someone to accompany you then its of great help.

Good luck to all.

Cheers
Prince

Hello All,

I have raised the request from my employer for L1B today; any idea how much time will it take to apply for visa and interview?

If L1B visa is rejected, can i apply for H1B as well post to that?

Can anyone help me with preparation of L1B interview?

Hello,
   I visited Mumbai Consulate General for my L1B individual interview with my wife and daughter on 1st December 2015. Interview was ok and VO said that the visa is approved. Didnt received any 221g. On 1st December visa status for my daughter changed to ISSUED and on 2nd December status for my wife changed to ISSUED with status date as 2nd December. On 3rd Both my wife and daughters visa were ready for pickup.
   In my case as I am the principle applicant, it shows ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESSING and status update date as 1st December. Since then not update on status or date change on status. How can I find out the exact reason for delay. I havent been asked for any extra document.

Need help

Hi Guys,

I have a L1A visa interview in Chennai US consulate on 07-Dec but I am not sure if Visa interview happening in Chennai Consulate due to flood issues?

Anyone going on Monday for Visa interview?

Thanks
Mahi

Hello All,

I have been going through the forum for some days and i have to raise a request for L1B in few days. Needed some inputs for the same.

1. Do we need mandatory Customized tool experience for clearing the L1B visa?
2. In india, which places are the interviews happen; i could make out Chennai(very frequent), Hyderabad & Mumbai?
3. Any online tests or emulators for interview preparation or any other tips for interview preparations?

Thanks in advance!

Thanks to this forum for preparing me for my visa interview in Chennai.
It lasted for just two minutes and below were the questions asked:

Which company?
Which client?
For how long are you going?
What is your salary in US?
What is your specialization?
One clarification on my specialization
---and then---the golden words: Your visa is approved.

But I didn't get my stamped passport yet, may be because of flood in chennai.

Anyone else who was interviewed in Chennai on or after 30th Nov, got his passport?
please reply me on [email protected] if you got your passport already or facing same issue as me :(

Do I need to mention my distance education details (i.e. mba in finance from ICFAI) in DS 160?
I am wondering because ds 160 asks for Date of attendance from & to and in distance education you just attend the exams in the institution.
I had provided copy of my distance education certificate while applying for my individual petition which has been approved. So I am not sure whether to mention it in ds 160 or not.
Please help.